Local veterinarians have confirmed that there is an outbreak of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus2 (RHDV2) in Gqeberha.
Algoa FM News reached out to officials after a resident living in Theescombe reported that at least 15 rabbits had died on their smallholding this month.
Department of Rural Development and Agrarian reform director, Dr Cebisa Mnqeta says the State Veterinarian could only confirm a single case of a feral rabbit that tested positive recently and further liaised with the Parks authorities in Gqeberha to enquire about sightings of dead rabbits and hares.
He says the carcasses are a reliable yardstick for death in the wild.
Dr Mnqeta says should there be farmers or people living in smallholdings experiencing deaths, the State Veterinarian should be informed.
The State Vet, Jared Strydom, is part of a farmers' group on WhatsApp where information can be posted so that he can attend to the matter.
Strydom can be messaged on 066 302 0871.
During the last outbreak, RHDV2 caused widespread mortalities of wild hares and domestic rabbits across the Northern-, Western, and parts of the Eastern Cape between October 2022 and February 2023.
Six months later in July, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) confirmed that the disease had reemerged in Knysna and the Langkloof.
What is RHDV2
The disease is specific to rabbits and hares (lagomorphs) and is not transmissible to people and other animals.
Conservationists have expressed concern about the impact of the disease on wild lagomorph populations and stated that mortality rates can be as high as 80%.
The rabbits will usually show no signs of trauma.
Pet rabbit owners are advised to exercise strict quarantine of their pets at home.
Dr Mnqeta said owners who have healthy pets can ask for a vaccine from their local Vet.
Animals who are already sick, unfortunately, cannot benefit from the vaccine.
Members of the public are advised not to handle or move carcasses to avoid the further spread of the disease.
